Veteran Tamil film actor and politician Vijayakanth passed away today (28th December) in Madras. He was 71 and had been put on ventilator support following COVID. He had been unwell since November.
Vijayakanth had acted in more than 150 Tamil films before he entered politics. He formed the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam party in 2005 which went on to become the principal opposition party in 2011. The actor-politician served as the leader of the opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly from 2011 to 2016. He was elected MLA twice — in 2006 and 2011.
Vijayakanth was widely known as Captain because of his memorable portrayals of military characters in films. He took active part in the South Indian Artistes’ Association politics and brought revolutionary changes in the South film industry when he held a position of power.